Monday, July 19, 2010

Interview with Calgary Ward 7 Alderman Candidate Kevin Taylor

This is a continuation of a series of interviews that I will post about local candidates that are running in the 2010 Calgary municipal election. I do not endorse any of the candidates necessarily, unless stated otherwise. The intent is to allow the candidates a forum in which they can share some of their views.

This interview is with Kevin Taylor, an local active community volunteer and business owner that will be running for Alderman in Ward 7 this term.

1) What do you think is the biggest issue facing the voters of Ward 7 that is totally unique to that part of Calgary?

Kevin: I think the biggest issue facing the voters of Ward 7 that is totally unique to that part of Calgary is the dramatic diversity of issues within the Ward. Ward 7 stretches from The Calgary Drop In Centre in downtown East, all the way up into the suburbs of Dalhousie in the Northwest. Finding ways to handle such a range of needs requires one critical thing: Two-way communication between the Alderman and the communities within the Ward.That means attending community meetings, and listening to and responding to calls from residents to make sure their issues can be addressed. Ultimately, it is the voters themselves who know best what challenges are going on in their communities, and better communication is the way to utilize this knowledge.

2) It appears that in Calgary Municipal politics, the incumbent always seems to have a huge advantage with fundraising and volunteer support. Is this true in Ward 7 this year?

Kevin: Very true.

3) In your opinion, what is the biggest mistake that Druh Farrell has made as Alderman?

Kevin: Shane, I will not answer that one. I will let the voters decide at election time.

4) Every winter, Calgarians are always dismayed by the lack of snow removal service in this City. Do you have any ideas that would improve this essential service?

Kevin: Shane, we do not have snow removal. We have snow pushing in Calgary! When the budget shows you are over budget 17 of the last 20 years, as it is at city hall, there must be a flaw in the system. I support contract snow removal and proper snow removal. This is one item that the new council needs to address right away.

5) Can you share some of your volunteer history in Ward 7 and/or in the rest of Calgary? What groups have you been involved with in the past?

Kevin: I am on the Sport Chek Mother's Day Walk & Run Committee, I am a Calgary Stampede Volunteer, and a sponsor of The Make a Wish Foundation. I have taught disabled skiing, and I also support Jose Neto, the young Brazillian student who was blinded by a gang's stray bullet in September 2008 on a daily basis.

Not only am I involved in the volunteer community myself, but I also engage my staff to help out. For some of my younger staff, this is their first job working for me. They understand our corporate philosophy of giving back to the community and become involved right from the start.

I will not support Druh Farell, every year she has a failing grade (F) and she is still voted in. The City of Calgary did not need a peace bridge, this was not money well spent. If a huge change is needed at City Hall give Kevin Taylor a chance.